On November 2nd Public Health Manitoba adjusted the response levels in the regions of our province. The Winnipeg Metropolitan Region moved to the Critical level (red), the Southern Health-Santé Sud, Prairie Mountain Health and Interlake-Eastern health regions moved to the Restricted level (orange) and the Northern health region remains at the Restricted level (orange).
The following is an excerpt from the November 2nd COVID-19 Bulletin #241 Media Release.
Public Health Manitoba is advising the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region that anyone who is symptomatic, or has a household member who is symptomatic, the entire household needs to self-isolate. The symptomatic individual needs to stay in their own room and, if possible, use their own bathroom and not use common areas. Exemptions are in place for asymptomatic household members if they are a health care workers or first responders. For information on self-isolation visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/resources.html#collapse2
Dental hygienists, as health care workers, do fall within the exemption category.
As community spread, levels of transmission and outbreaks change in areas of the province, risk assessment and subsequent patient care will require monitoring and re-evaluation.
Please note health care workers have access to testing even if they are asymptomatic. They must identify themselves at the testing site as an essential healthcare worker:
https://sharedhealthmb.ca/files/covid-19-algorithm-for-designated-testing-sites.pdf
You are reminded to refer to the CDHM Interim Infection Prevention Control Guidance document, available at www.cdhm.info to assist you in providing best practice, safe dental hygiene care during this pandemic.
If you have any questions, I can be reached at the College office.
In health,
Arlynn Brodie MHS, RDH
Registrar, Executive Director